Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gritty Parisian-meets-backstreet-Fitzroy flavour. It's popular with locals for its strong cof-
fee, reuben sandwiches and Vegemite brioche slices with soft-boiled eggs.
Charcoal Lane
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
$$
(
03-9418 3400;
www.charcoallane.com.au
; 136 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; mains $28-35;
noon-3pm & 6-9pm Tue-
Sat; 86)
Housed in an old bluestone former bank, this training restaurant for Indi-
genous and disadvantaged young people is one of the best places to try native flora and
fauna; menu items may include kangaroo burger with bush-tomato chutney and wallaby
tartare. Weekend bookings advised. It also holds cooking masterclasses using native in-
gredients; check the website for details.
Moroccan Soup Bar
( 03-9482 4240;
www.moroccansoupbar.com.au
; 183 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy; banquet per person $20;
6-10pm Tue-Sun; ; 112)
Prepare to queue before being seated by stalwart Hana, who will
then go through the vegetarian menu verbally while you sip on mint tea (it's an alcohol-
free zone). Best bet is the banquet, which, for three courses, is tremendous value. The sub-
lime chickpea bake is a favourite, driving locals to queue with their own pots and contain-
ers for takeaway.
MOROCCAN, VEGETARIAN
$$
Vegie Bar
VEGETARIAN
$$
( 03-9417 6935;
www.vegiebar.com.au
; 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy; mains $14-16; 11am-10.30pm Mon-Fri,
from 9am Sat & Sun; ; 112)
Its menu of delicious thin-crust pizzas, tasty curries and sea-
sonal broths is perfectly suited to the cavernous warehouse decor with walls covered in
band posters. It also has a fascinating selection of raw food dishes, and plenty of vegan
choices. Its fresh juices are popular, as are its yummy, cheap and original breakfasts.
Marios
CAFE
$$
(
www.marioscafe.com.au
;
303 Brunswick St, Fitzroy; mains $17-30; 7am-10.30pm Mon-Sat, 8am-10.30pm Sun;
112)
Mooching at Marios is part of the Melbourne 101 curriculum. Breakfasts are big
and served all day, the service is swift, dishes are simple classic Italian and the coffee is
old-school strong.
